Ceratopteris Cornuta / Water Sprite

Bring a softer, leafy look to your freshwater aquarium with Water Sprite, listed as Ceratopteris Cornuta. This aquatic fern can be grown rooted in the substrate or left floating, giving you two ways to work greenery into your layout. Floating roots and leafy growth provide cover for small fish and shrimp, while a planted specimen can form a fuller backdrop.

Planting or floating

Gently rinse and inspect the plant before introducing it. If supplied in a pot, carefully remove the pot and packing material from the roots. For planted growth, place the roots in suitable aquarium substrate but keep the crown, where the leaves emerge, above it. Alternatively, let the plant float with its roots hanging into the water.

Lighting and nutrition

Moderate aquarium lighting is a useful starting point. Floating plants can shade the aquarium below, so thin growth if it blocks light needed by other plants. Use aquarium-safe plant nutrition according to the product instructions and your existing routine. Added CO2 is not essential for a straightforward setup.

Water and maintenance

Keep freshwater conditions stable, maintain regular partial water changes and remove deteriorating leaves. Water Sprite can grow quickly when conditions suit it, so allow room for expansion. Keep floating growth clear of filter intakes and leave open surface space for feeding and gas exchange.

Propagation

Small plantlets may develop on older leaves. Once they have their own roots and leaves, they can be gently separated and grown on. Handle leaves carefully during maintenance rather than pulling or crushing the plant.

Fish and shrimp compatibility

Water Sprite suits many planted community layouts, but digging or plant-eating fish may uproot or damage it. If keeping shrimp or other sensitive livestock, ask about any treatments used on the supplied plant and suitable preparation before adding it.

Ask Richards Bay Pet Shop about the supplied size and quantity, or tell us about your aquarium if you would like help choosing planted or floating placement. Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.